Rumour Reel: Conte chases Nainggolan while Hammers hunt Vermaelen

Robbie Purves | June 9, 2016

Despite the summer window officially opening on July 1st, it seems clubs are already chasing down their transfer targets one by one as they look to complete some of their business before Euro 2016 kicks off.

Conte considers Nainggolan negotiations

Incoming Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has reportedly spoken personally to Roma’s Radja Nainggolan in a bid to persuade him to swap Italy for the Premier League. Doubts continue to surround the Belgium midfielder’s future as his partner, Miralem Pjanic looks Juventus bound.

According to reports, Roma’s sporting director Walter Sabatini has entered talks over a potential fee for the combative midfielder. The Rome club has supposedly rebuffed a £23m approach by Chelsea and now demand £32m for his signature.

Nainggolan is a tough tackling box-to-box midfielder that can do it all – he recorded six goals and two assists this term and could slot nicely next to Nemanja Matic.

Another Serie A player linked to Chelsea is Stephan Lichtsteiner – a right back, who can also play on the right of midfield. Conte has wasted no time in looking to replace Branislav Ivanovic who visibly struggled throughout the season. Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian could head the other way in a move that would see him return to Italy after a year.

Hammers hunt Vermaelen